Gaming apparatus executing race by a plurality of race objects, and game control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus of the present invention offers game media in an amount with an amount betted at first being an upper limit, when a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with each other for winning.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-216234 filed on Aug. 22, 2007. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus that executes a race by a plurality of race objects, and a game control method thereof.

Conventionally, gaming apparatuses such as a horse racing game apparatus have been known in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508). A player who plays a game on such a gaming apparatus predicts which race object will win in the race, and places a bet of game media such as medals on the race object. Then, the player can receive an award according to the result of the race and the betted game media.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

However, in the gaming apparatuses described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508, there has been a problem of lacking realness since it is presumed in those apparatuses that a race is always properly held, i.e. the orders of finish of all race objects are determined. Thus, a gaming apparatus capable of executing a game with more realness has been devised by adopting an effect of showing an accident during a race, such as suspension or cancellation of a race, disqualification of a race object, or fall of a jockey during a horse racing game. However, in such a gaming apparatus, game media betted by a player might be forfeited when an accident as described above occurs during a race even with the order of finish of race object undetermined, and there has thus been a problem in that the player might have a bad impression or become doubtful of the game.

The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problems, and has an object to provide a gaming apparatus capable of performing an effect with more realness such as an accident during a race and suppressing a loss of a player caused by the effect, and a game control method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the foregoing problems, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A gaming apparatus, comprising:

a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and

a controller,

the controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(A) accepting a bet from the bet input device,

(B) proceeding with the race,

(C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in the processing (B), and

(D) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in the processing (A) being an upper limit, when determining in the processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (1), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when a prescribed condition (e.g. cancellation of the race, or fall of a jockey in the horse racing game) is satisfied, game media (e.g. coins) are offered in an amount with an initially betted amount being the upper limit.

Namely, when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, the player receives the return of the game media. Therefore, an effect with more realness, such as an accident during the race, can be performed while the player can receive the return of the game media even in a case where the order of finish of the race object is not determined due to the accident during the race, or some other cases, so that a loss of the player caused by the effect can be suppressed.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(2) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (1),

wherein

the processing (D) includes the processing of

(D-1) offering game media in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the game media betted in the processing (A), when determining in the processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (2), when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the initially betted game media. Therefore, the player can stably receive the return of the game media when an accident or the like occurs during the race.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(3) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (1),

wherein

the controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of

(E) determining an amount of game media to be offered in a case where the prescribed condition is satisfied before the end of the race executed in the processing (B), with the amount betted in the processing (A) as the upper limit, and

the processing (D) includes the processing of

(D-2) offering game media in an amount determined in the processing (E), when determining in the processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (3), when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount determined with the initially betted amount as the upper limit. Since an amount of game media to be returned is determined each time, it is possible to make the player have a sense of tension as to the degree of his or her loss when an accident or the like occurs during the race.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(4) A gaming apparatus, comprising:

a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted;

a change input device for making input of betting game media, which have been betted on the race object from the bet input device, on a race object different from the race object; and

a controller,

the controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(A) accepting a bet from the bet input device,

(B) proceeding with the race,

(C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in the processing (B), and

(D) accepting, in the change input device, input of betting game media, which have been betted on the race object in the processing (A), on a race object different from the race object, during the time from the determination in the processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied until the end of the race executed in the processing (B).

According to the invention of (4), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, input is accepted for re-betting game media, which have been initially betted on the race object, on a race object different from the above race object during the time from satisfaction of a prescribed condition (e.g. cancellation of the race, or fall of a jockey in the horse racing game) until the end of the race.

Accordingly, even when an accident or the like occurs during the race and the order of finish of the initially betted race object is not determined, the player can re-bet on another race object, so as to enjoy the race until the order of finish of this race object is determined.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(5) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (4),

wherein

the controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of

(F) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in the processing (A) being the upper limit, when determining in the processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied and also when input of betting game media, which have been betted on the race object in the processing (A), on a race object different from the race object is not made from the change input device before the end of the race executed in the processing (B).

According to the invention of (5), when the input for re-betting the game media, which have been initially betted on the above race object, on a race object different from the above race object is not made in a case where the prescribed condition has been satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount with the initially betted amount being the upper limit.

Therefore, when an accident occurs during the race, the player can select either to re-bet on another race object or to continue the race and receive a return.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(6) A game control method, including the steps of:

(A) placing a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning;

(B) proceeding with the race;

(C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in the step (B); and

(D) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in the step (A) being an upper limit, when determining in the step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (6), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, when a prescribed condition (e.g. cancellation of the race, or fall of a jockey in the horse racing game) is satisfied, game media (e.g. coins) are offered in an amount with an initially betted amount being the upper limit.

Namely, when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, the player receives the return of the game media. Therefore, an effect with more realness, such as an accident during the race, can be performed while the player can receive the return of the game media even in a case where the order of finish of the race object is not determined due to the accident during the race, or some other cases, so that a loss of the player caused by the effect can be suppressed.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(7) The game control method according to the above-mentioned (6),

wherein

the step (D) includes the step of

(D-1) offering game media in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the game media betted in the step (A), when determining in the step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (7), when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the initially betted game media. Therefore, the player can stably receive the return of the game media when an accident or the like occurs during the race.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(8) The game control method according to the above-mentioned (6), the method further including the step of

(E) determining an amount of game media to be offered in a case where the prescribed condition is satisfied before the end of the race executed in the step (B), with the amount betted in the step (A) as the upper limit,

wherein

the step (D) includes the step of

(D-2) offering game media in an amount determined in the step (E), when determining in the step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.

According to the invention of (8), when the prescribed condition is satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount determined with the initially betted amount as the upper limit. Since an amount of game media to be returned is determined each time, it is possible to make the player have a sense of tension as to the degree of his or her loss when an accident or the like occurs during the race.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(9) A game control method, including the steps of:

(A) placing a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning;

(B) proceeding with the race;

(C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in the step (B); and

(D) accepting selection of betting game media, which have been betted on the race object in the step (A), on a race object different from the race object, during the time from the determination in the step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied until the end of the race executed in the step (B).

According to the invention of (9), in a race in which a plurality of race objects (e.g. racehorses in a horse racing game) contend with one another for winning, input is accepted for re-betting game media, which have been initially betted on the race object, on a race object different from the above race object during the time from satisfaction of a prescribed condition (e.g. cancellation of the race, or fall of a jockey in the horse racing game) until the end of the race.

Accordingly, even when an accident or the like occurs during the race and the order of finish of the initially betted race object is not determined, the player can re-bet on another race object, so as to enjoy the race until the order of finish of this race object is determined.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(10) The game control method according to the above-mentioned (9), the method further including the step of

(F) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in the step (A) being the upper limit, when determining in the step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied and also when selection of betting game media, which have been betted on the race object in the step (A), on a race object different from the race object is not made from the change input device before the end of the race executed in the step (B).

According to the invention of (10), when selection for re-betting game media, which have been initially betted on the above race object, on a race object different from the above race object is not made in a case where the prescribed condition has been satisfied during the race, game media are offered in an amount with the initially betted amount being the upper limit.

Therefore, when an accident occurs during the race, the player can select either to re-place a bet on another race object or to continue the race and receive a return.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming apparatus capable of performing an effect with more realness while suppressing a loss of a player caused by the effect, and a game control method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations executed in a station provided in a horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 3 is another view showing an example of images displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 4 is another view showing an example of images displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations performed in the main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of bet information images displayed to a main monitor.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a racing game execution processing performed in the horse racing game apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. In the following, the case of applying the present invention to a horse racing game apparatus is described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be noted that a game in the present invention is a game totally processed by a CPU, except for input performed by a player.

FIG. 1 is a view showing characteristic processing in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment, and is a flowchart showing an example of game operations executed in a station provided in the horse racing game apparatus of the present embodiment.

Further, FIGS. 2 to 4 are views showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitor provided in the station.

Furthermore, FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, a horse racing game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main monitor 21, and a plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face the main monitor 21. The player seated at each station 101 predicts a result of a racing game and inputs a bet by the use of a touch panel 114 provided on each station 101, to participate in a horse racing game.

In the present embodiment, when an accident such as fall of a jockey occurs in a racing game (hereinafter also referred to simply as a “race”) in which a plurality of racehorses contend with one another for winning, the player can, according to his or her selection, either receive a payout of game media (medals, coins or credits) in an amount with an amount betted on a racehorse before the start of the race being the upper limit, the racehorse having caused the accident such as fall of the jockey or the like, or re-bet on a racehorse different from the above racehorse.

Here, the processing of FIG. 1 is described. It is to be noted that FIG. 1 shows only processing performed in one station 101 for the sake of avoiding complexity.

First, in step S10, a CPU 131 (cf. FIG. 8) of the station 101 (cf. FIG. 5) in the horse racing game apparatus 1 (cf. FIG. 5) receives race information from a main game portion 11 (cf. FIG. 7). The race information includes information regarding racehorses to run in a race, and information regarding odds determined per betting ticket system. The racehorse corresponds to the race object in the present invention.

Next, in step S11, the CPU 131 starts measurement of elapsed time t by a timer 126 (cf. FIG. 8).

Next, in step S12, the CPU 131 displays a bet image to a sub monitor 113 (cf. FIG. 6) based on the race information received from the main game portion 11. The bet image is detailed later using FIG. 2.

In step S13, the CPU 131 specifies contents of the bet operation performed by the player, based on a coordinate signal from a touch panel driving circuit 122 (cf. FIG. 8), and stores the contents into a RAM 132 (cf. FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 131 reflects the contents of the bet operation to the display on the bet image of the sub monitor 113.

Next, in step S14, the CPU 131 determines whether or not a bet operation has been performed. When determining that the bet operation has been performed, the CPU 131 transmits bet information showing details of the bet operation to a main control portion 12 (cf. FIG. 7) through a communication interface 125 (cf. FIG. 8) (step S15), and shifts the processing to step S17.

It is to be noted that the bet information at least includes information on an ID of the betted racehorse, the number of betted game media, information regarding the type of the betting ticket, and an identification number of the station 101.

In step S14, when determining that the bet operation has not been performed, the CPU 131 determines in step S16 whether or not the elapsed time t measured by the timer 126 has reached previously set specified time T (50 seconds in the present embodiment). When determining that the elapsed time t has not reached the specified time T, the CPU 131 shifts the processing to step S13.

On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time t has reached the specified time T, the CPU 131 determines in step S17 whether or not an accident generation signal has been received from the main game portion 11. The accident generation signal is a signal transmitted from the main game portion 11 at a prescribed timing (at the timing of generating the accident, in the present embodiment) when it is determined that the accident should be generated during the race, and includes information showing details of the accident.

When determining in step S17 that the accident generation signal has not been received, the CPU 131 shifts the processing to step S24.

On the other hand, when determining that the accident generation signal has been received, in step S18, the CPU 131 displays a time-of-accident image, which is detailed later using FIG. 3, to the sub monitor 113 while accepting input for selecting either to accept the return of betted credits or change the racehorse to place a bet on.

Next, in step S19, the CPU 131 determines whether or not selection of changing the racehorse to place a bet on has been made.

When determining that selection of changing the racehorse to place a bet on has not been made, the CPU 131 displays a time-of-return image, which is detailed later using FIG. 4, to the sub monitor 113 (step S20) and executes processing of returning the credits (step S21). In step S21, the credits are returned in an amount corresponding to half of the credits betted on the racehorse that has caused the accident.

On the other hand, when determining that selection of changing the racehorse to place a bet on has been made, the CPU 131 displays to the sub monitor 113 an image similar to the bet image displayed in step S12 while accepting the bet change (step S22), and when the racehorse to place a bet on is changed from the racehorse on which the bet is currently placed to a different racehorse, the CPU 131 transmits change information showing information regarding a bet after the change, to the main game portion 11 (step S23). In step S22, the player can make input for re-betting credits, on another racehorse, in an amount equal to the credits betted on the racehorse on which the bet is currently placed, i.e. the racehorse having caused the accident. When input for the bet change is not made within a prescribed period (10 seconds), similar processing of returning the credits as in step S21 is executed.

Next, in step S24, the CPU 131 receives, from the main game portion 11, result information showing a result of the race such as an order of finish of each racehorse, amounts of payouts calculated based on the race result and the bet information, and the like. Upon receipt of the result information, the CPU 131 displays to the sub monitor 113 an image showing the race result and the payouts to be offered.

Next, in step S25, based on the result information received in step S24, the CPU 131 updates the number of credits owned by the player which is stored in the RAM 132, while updating display in an amount-of-payout display region 220 and a number-of-credits display region 221 (cf. FIG. 2) within the bet image on the sub monitor 113.

After executing the processing of step S 25, the CPU 131 completes the present subroutine.

FIG. 2 shows an example of bet images displayed to the sub monitor in step S12 of FIG. 1. The bet image displayed to the screen of the sub monitor 113 covered by the touch panel 114 (cf. FIG. 6) is provided with: a horse number display region 201; a horse name display region 202; a basic ability display region 203 displaying speed and stamina by means of bar charts; a record display region 204 displaying orders of finish in last five races; a condition display region 205 displaying current conditions by means of arrows; and a betting ticket purchase button display region 206 displaying, with odds and the number of bets, abetting ticket perchance button for quinella in which a combination of horse numbers that will finish first and second in any order is predicted.

Further, the bet image includes images of a help button 211, a 1-bet button 213, a 5-bet button 214, a 10-bet button 215, a 50-bet button 216, a cancel button 217, a cash-out button 218, and a betting ticket system switch button 222.

Moreover, the bet image is provided with a time display region 212, a number-of-bets display region 219, an amount-of-payout display region 220, and a number-of-credits display region 221.

The help button 211 is a button to be touched by the player for displaying an operation method for betting and the like to the sub monitor 113. In the time display region 212, remaining time possible for bet-input is displayed. The 1-bet button 213 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “1” to the current number of bets. The 5-bet button 214 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “5” to the current number of bets. The 10-bet button 215 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “10” to the current number of bets. The 50-bet button 216 is a button to be touched by the player for adding “50” to the current number of bets.

The cancel button 217 is a button to be touched by the player for canceling the added number of bets. The cash-out button 218 is a button to be touched by the player for paying out coins in number in accordance with the number of credits owned by the player by means of the ticket 39 with a barcode. In the number-of-bets display region 219, the total number of bets set by the player in the current race is displayed. The amount-of-payout display region 220 displays an amount of payout in the race this time around. In the number-of-credits display region 221, the number of credits owned by the player is displayed.

Although the bet image shown in FIG. 2 is the quinella bet image, every time a betting ticket system switch button 222 is touched, the bet image is switched to win, place, exacta, trifecta, bracket quinella, trio, quinella-place (wide), and the like.

The player touches any of the 1-bet button 213, the 5-bet button 214, the 10-bet button 215, and the 50-bet button 216, and then touches any betting ticket purchase button within the betting ticket purchase button display region 206, so as to place a bet. For example, when touching the 10-bet button 215 and then touching a “1-2” betting ticket purchase button within the betting ticket purchase button display region 206, the player can add “10” to the current number of bets on “1-2”. Here, “1-2” means that a combination of No. 1 horse and No. 2 horse will take first and second place in any order. It is to be noted that the current number of bets on each combination of horse numbers is displayed next to the betting ticket purchase button corresponding to each combination.

FIG. 3 shows an example of time-of-accident images displayed to the sub monitor 113 in step S18 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the time-of-accident image includes an image 300 that shows generation of an accident (fall of a jockey) and prompts selection of processing, a button image 301 for selecting receipt of the return of credits, and a button image 302 for selecting change of a racehorse to place a bet on. The player can touch a place of the touch panel 114 corresponding to the button image 301 or the button image 302, to select the processing in the case of generation of the accident.

FIG. 4 shows an example of time-of-return images displayed to the sub monitor 113 in step S20 of FIG. 1. The time-of-return image is an image which is displayed when the place of the touch panel 114 corresponding to the button image 301 of FIG. 3 is touched. As shown in FIG. 4, the time-of-return image includes an image 303 showing that credits will be returned and showing the number of credits to be returned. In a case where 200 credits are betted on the racehorse that have caused the accident, 100 credits will be returned as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of horse racing game apparatuses according to the present embodiment.

The horse racing game apparatus 1 includes: the main monitor 21; speakers 22 installed on both the right and left sides of the main monitor 21; an indicator 23 installed on a top of the main monitor 21; and the plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face the main monitor 21.

To the main monitor 21, an image showing the progress of a race, an image showing information based on bets, and the like, are displayed. From the speakers 22, a sound in accordance with the progress of the race is outputted. To the indicator 23, information regarding the game in general and the like are displayed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the stations shown in FIG. 5.

The station 101 has: a cabinet 111, a chair 112 installed inside the cabinet 111; a sub monitor 113 installed on the cabinet 111 so as to face the chair 112; a touch panel 114 installed on the screen of the sub monitor 113; a bill validator 115 installed on the cabinet 111 to the right of the chair 112; and a ticket printer 116 installed below the bill validator 115.

To the sub monitor 113, the later-described bet image, an image showing the progress of a race, and the like, are displayed. The touch panel 114 is used when the player performs input, such as a bet operation that uses the bet image. The touch panel 114 corresponds to the bet input device in the present invention.

The bill validator 115 identifies validity of a bill, and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 111. The bill accepted into the cabinet 111 is converted into the number of coins at a prescribed rate, and the number of credits corresponding to the number of coins is added to the number of credits owned by the player. It is to be noted that the bill validator 115 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode.

The ticket printer 116 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the station 101, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can make another station read the ticket 39 with a barcode and play a game on that station 101, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with bills or the like at a prescribed place in a gaming facility (e.g. cashier booth in a casino).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

A main game portion 11 is a central portion of the horse racing game apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The main game portion 11 has a main control portion 12, the main monitor 21, the speakers 22, the indicator 23, a switch 24, and an external storage device 25.

The main control portion 12 has a microcomputer 45, arranged on a circuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 45 has a CPU 41 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program, a RAM 42, and a ROM 43.

The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data computed in the CPU 41. The ROM 43 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the horse racing game apparatus 1, data on winning percentage of each racehorse, and the like.

The microcomputer 45 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an image processing circuit 31 through an I/O interface 46. The image processing circuit 31 is connected to the main monitor 21, and controls the drive of the main monitor 21.

The image processing circuit 31 has a program ROM 311, an image ROM 312, an image control CPU 313, a work RAM 314, an image data processor 315 (hereinafter also referred to as a “VDP 315”), and a video RAM 316.

The program ROM 311 stores a program for image control regarding display within the main monitor 21, and a variety of selection tables.

Further, the image ROM 312 stores, for example, dot data for forming an image within the main monitor 21 and a variety of image data such as background image data and image data of racehorses.

Further, the image control CPU 313 determines an image to be displayed to the main monitor 21 out of the dot data and image data previously stored inside the image ROM in accordance with the image control program previously stored inside the program ROM, based on a parameter set in the microcomputer 45.

Further, the work RAM 314 is configured as a temporary storage unit in execution of the image control program in the image control CPU 313.

Furthermore, the VDP 315 generates image data in accordance with display contents determined in the image control CPU 313, and outputs the data to the main monitor 21.

Moreover, the video RAM 316 is configured as a temporary storage unit in formation of an image in the VDP 315.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a voice circuit 32 through the I/O interface 46. The voice circuit 32 is connected with the speakers 22. The speakers 22 are provided on the right and left sides of the main monitor 21, and output a sound under output-control by the voice circuit 32, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an indicator driving circuit 33 through the I/O interface 46. The indicator driving circuit 33 is connected with the indicator 23. The indicator 23 is provided on the top of the main monitor 21, and displays information regarding a game in general, and the like, under display-control by the indicator driving circuit 33, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a switch circuit 34 through the I/O interface 46. The switch circuit 34 is connected with the switch 24. The switch 24 is provided below the main monitor 21, and inputs a command by a setting operation performed by an operator into the CPU 41, based on a switch signal from the switch circuit 34.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a random number generator 35 through the I/O interface 46. The random number generator 35 generates a random number to be sampled by the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a timer 37 through the I/O interface 46. The timer 37 is used for measuring time at the start of a racing game, and the like.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the external storage device 25 through the I/O interface 46. The external storage device 25 is provided on the periphery of the main monitor 21. For example, storing the dot data for forming an image and the like into the external storage device 25 allows the external storage device 25 to have a function similar to that of the image ROM 312 inside the image processing circuit 31. Therefore, when determining an image to be displayed to the main monitor 21, the image control CPU 313 inside the image processing circuit 31 also takes the dot data and the like previously stored inside the external storage device 25 as objects for the determination.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the communication interface 36 through the I/O interface 46. The communication interface 36 is connected with a sub control portion 102 of each of the stations 101. Therefore, the CPU 41 transmits and receives a command, a request, data, and the like, to and from each of the stations 101 through the communication interface 36.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

The station 101 includes the sub control portion 102, the sub monitor 113, the touch panel 114, the bill validator 115, and the ticket printer 116.

The sub control portion 102 has a microcomputer 135 arranged on the circuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 135 has a CPU 131 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program, a RAM 132, and a ROM 133.

The RAM 132 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data computed in the CPU 131. The ROM 133 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the horse racing game apparatus 1, a data table, and the like.

The microcomputer 135 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a sub monitor driving circuit 121 through an I/O interface 136. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 is connected with the sub monitor 113. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 controls the drive of the sub monitor 113, based on a drive signal from the main game portion 11. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 has a configuration and function similar to those of the image processing circuit 31, and for example, controls the drive of the sub monitor 113 so that a later-described bet image is displayed.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a touch panel driving circuit 122 through the I/O interface 136. The touch panel driving circuit 122 is connected with the touch panel 114. The touch panel 114 is provided on the screen of the sub monitor 113, and inputs into the CPU 131 a command by a touching operation of the player as a coordinate signal from the touch panel driving circuit 122.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a bill validator driving circuit 123 through the I/O interface 136. The bill validator driving circuit 123 is connected with the bill validator 115. The bill validator 115 identifies validity of a bill and the ticket 39 with a barcode. When accepting a regular bill, the bill validator 115 inputs the amount of the accepted bill into the CPU 131, based on an identification signal from the bill validator driving circuit 123. Further, when accepting a regular ticket 39 with a barcode, the bill validator 115 inputs into the CPU 131 the number of credits and the like which are recorded on the ticket 39 with a barcode, based on an identification signal from the bill validator driving circuit 123.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a ticket printer driving circuit 124 through the I/O interface 136. The ticket printer driving circuit 124 is connected with the ticket printer 116. The ticket printer 116 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of owned credits stored in the RAM 132, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode under output-control by the ticket printer driving circuit 124, based on a drive signal outputted from the CPU 131.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a communication interface 125 through the I/O interface 136. The communication interface 125 is connected with the main control portion 12 of the main game portion 11. Therefore, the CPU 131 transmits and receives a command, a request, data, and the like, to and from the main game portion 11 through the communication interface 125.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with the timer 126 through the I/O interface 136. The timer 126 is used for measuring time in ending acceptance of the bet operation.

Next, the game operation executed in the horse racing game apparatus 1 is described. However, since the processing executed in the station 101 has already been described using FIG. 1, only processing executed in the main game portion 11 is described here.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of game operations performed in the main game portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In the main game portion 11, respective operations of steps S100 to S107 are performed.

First, in step S100, the CPU 41 selects a prescribed number of (e.g. 6) racehorses out of a plurality of racehorses the data of which are stored in the ROM 43, based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35, and determines those selected racehorses as racehorses to run in a race this time around. At this time, the CPU 41 provides starting numbers of “1” to “6” to the racehorses to run.

Next, in step S101, the CPU 41 executes processing of determining odds per betting ticket system. At this time, the CPU 41 sets odds, based oh winning percentage data of each racehorse which is stored in the ROM 43. Therefore, order-of-finish prediction odds including a racehorse with a high winning probability are set low, whereas order-of-finish prediction odds including a racehorse with a low winning probability are set high.

In step S102, the CPU 41 transmits, to each station 101, race information on the racehorses to run and odds which have been determined in the processing of steps S100 and S101.

Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 receives, from the station 101, bet information showing the contents of the bet operation at the station 101.

Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 displays to the main monitor 21 a bet information image based on the bet information received in step S103.

The bet information image is detailed later using FIG. 10.

Next, in step S105, the CPU 41 executes racing game execution processing.

In this racing game execution processing, based on a random number generated by the random number generator 35, the CPU 41 determines an order of finish of each racehorse in the racing game, and whether or not to generate an accident. The CPU 41 then outputs an image showing the race progress to the main monitor 21, based on the determination contents.

This racing game execution processing is detailed later using FIG. 11.

In step S106, the CPU 41 calculates an amount of payout to each station 101, based on the odds determined in step S101, the bet information received in step S103, and the order of finish of each racehorse determined in the racing game execution processing of step S105. When change information has been received in the racing game execution processing of step S105 (cf. step S23 of FIG. 1), the CPU 41 calculates the amount of payout based on the change information.

Next, in step S107, the CPU 41 transmits, as result information, information showing the result of the race and each of the amounts of payout calculated in the processing of step S106, to each corresponding station 101.

Hereafter, the same processing is repeated in subsequent races.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of bet information images displayed to the main monitor in step S104 of FIG. 9.

In the bet information image shown in FIG. 10, there are provided: a horse number display region 3 that displays horse numbers indicating starting numbers of racehorses that run in a race; a horse name display region 4 that displays names of the racehorses; an odds display region 5 that displays odds of a win betting ticket; and a betting state display region 6 that displays information regarding game media having been betted.

In the lower portion of the bet information image, a racecourse display region 7 is provided which displays a whole picture of a racecourse of the racing game currently accepting bet-input. Symbol S denotes a start point of the race and symbol G denotes a goal point of the race.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, the bet information image is to be displayed to the main monitor 21. However, in the present invention, the bet information image may be displayed to the sub monitor provided in the station.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of racing game execution processing performed in the main game portion.

First, in step S200, the CPU 41 performs variety of settings relating to the race. In the processing, based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35, the CPU 41 determines an order of finish of each racehorse in the race, and whether or not to generate an accident during the race.

In step S201, the CPU 41 sets an effect pattern for image display, based on the settings in the processing of step S200. Namely, the CPU 41 produces an effect image of each racehorse from the start to the finish, based on the background image data, the image data of the racehorses, and the like which are stored in the image ROM 312.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 41 determines whether or not it has been determined that an accident should be generated during the race. When determining that it has not been determined that an accident should be generated, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S204.

On the other hand, when determining that it has been determined that an accident should be generated, the CPU 41 transmits, in step S203, an accident generation signal at a prescribed timing to the station 101 where a bet has been placed on the racehorse determined to cause the accident. In the present embodiment, the prescribed timing is the timing when the accident occurs during the race. However, for example, the accident generation signal may be transmitted immediately after the determination that the accident has been determined to be generated.

In step S204, the CPU 41 outputs an image showing the race progress to the main monitor 21, based on the effect image produced in the processing of step S201.

Next, in step S205, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all the racehorses running in the racing game have crossed the finish line. When determining that all the racehorses have not crossed the finish line, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S204. On the other hand, when determining that all the racehorses have crossed the finish line, the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.

As described above, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1 relating to the present embodiment, in a race in which a plurality of racehorses contend with one another for winning, when an accident has been generated, credits are offered in an amount with an initially betted amount being the upper limit.

Namely, when the accident has been generated during the race, the player receives the return of the credits. Therefore, an effect with more realness can be performed while the player can receive the return of the credits in a case where the order of finish of the racehorse is not determined due to the accident during the race, or some other cases, so that a loss of the player caused by the effect can be suppressed.

Further, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1, in a race in which a plurality of racehorses contend with one another for winning, input is accepted for re-betting game media, which have been initially betted on the racehorse, on a racehorse different from the above racehorse during the time from generation of an accident until the end of the race.

Accordingly, even when an accident or the like occurs during the race and the order of finish of the initially betted racehorse is not determined, the player can re-bet on another racehorse, so as to enjoy the race until the order of finish of this racehorse is determined.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the return of credits or a change of racehorse to place a bet on is accepted when fall of a jockey, escape of a horse, false start or the like occurs. Namely, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where the prescribed condition in the present invention is generation of an accident relating to a race object. However, the prescribed condition in the present invention is not limited to this example, but may be, for example, suspension or cancellation of a race. In this case, suspension or cancellation of a race may be determined by the controller on a setting stage before the start of the race, or a race may be suspended or cancelled by input from the outside (e.g. input by a gaming facility attendant)

Further, in the present embodiment, whether or not to generate an accident during a race, namely whether or not the prescribed condition should be satisfied, is determined before the start of the race. However, in the present invention, such a determination may be made during a race, and an effect such as an accident may be executed during the remaining race period.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where credits to be returned in the case of generation of an accident during a race are half (a fixed proportion of) the credits betted before the race. However, in the present invention, the amount of game media to be offered in the case of satisfaction of the prescribed condition is not particularly limited so long as it is an amount with an initially betted amount being the upper limit. For example, the amount of game media to be returned may be determined each time by means of a random number or the like, or a previously set amount of game media may be offered. Further, for example, the amount of game media to be returned may be determined in accordance with the timing of satisfaction of the prescribed condition (timing of generation of an accident or the like).

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where, when an accident is generated during a race, selection can be made either to receive the return of credits or to change a racehorse to place a bet on. However, in the present invention, when the prescribed condition is satisfied during a race, only the return of game media may be executed, or only a change of racehorse to place a bet on may be accepted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where racehorses to run are determined based on random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. However, in the present invention, racehorses may be made to run in a prescribed order. For example, racehorses may be made to run in a racing game in order of racehorse ID. Further, racehorses may be divided into groups each consisting of a prescribed number of (e.g. 6) racehorses, and made to run in the unit of groups in order of group.

Also, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where one racecourse is stored in the ROM 43. However, in the present invention, a plurality of racecourses may be stored in the ROM; for example, a dirt course, a turf course, a clockwise course, a counter-clockwise course, courses having different race distances, and the like may be stored in the ROM.

Specifically, the CPU 41 selects one racecourse out of a plurality of racecourses stored in the ROM 43 based on a random number generated by the random number generator 35, and takes the selected racecourse as a course of the race this time around. Further, the CPU 41 transmits to each station 101 the information regarding the selected racecourse as race information, along with information regarding racehorses to run and odds thereof which have been determined in the processing of steps S100 and S101.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case of executing a video horse racing game in which a race is held with images of racehorses which are displayed to the main monitor 21. However, in the present invention, a race may be held using model racehorses or the like. Moreover, a game in which a bet is placed on an actual race of horse racing or the like may be executed.

In the present embodiment, the case of applying the present invention to the horse racing game apparatus 1 has been described, but in the present invention, a bike racing game apparatus, a boat racing game apparatus, a dog racing game apparatus, a car racing game apparatus, a motorcycle racing game apparatus, or the like may be adopted. In the case of forming such a configuration, bikes, motorboats, dogs, cars, or motorcycles correspond to the race objects in the present invention.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it just presents a specific example, and does not particularly limit the present invention. A specific configuration of each unit or the like can be appropriately changed in terms of design. Further, the description of the effects made in the embodiment of the present invention are only recitation of the most preferable effects that arise from the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention. 

1. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; and a controller, said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of (A) accepting a bet from said bet input device, (B) proceeding with said race, (C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in said processing (B), and (D) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in said processing (A) being an upper limit, when determining in said processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 2. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing (D) includes the processing of (D-1) offering game media in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the game media betted in said processing (A), when determining in said processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 3. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of (E) determining an amount of game media to be offered in a case where the prescribed condition is satisfied before the end of the race executed in said processing (B), with the amount betted in said processing (A) as the upper limit, and said processing (D) includes the processing of (D-2) offering game media in an amount determined in said processing (E), when determining in said processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 4. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a bet input device with which a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning can be inputted; a change input device for making input of betting game media, which have been betted on said race object from said bet input device, on a race object different from said race object; and a controller, said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of (A) accepting a bet from said bet input device, (B) proceeding with said race, (C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in said processing (B), and (D) accepting, in said change input device, input of betting game media, which have been betted on said race object in said processing (A), on a race object different from said race object, during the time from the determination in said processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied until the end of the race executed in said processing (B).
 5. The gaming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said controller is further programmed so as to execute the processing of (F) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in said processing (A) being the upper limit, when determining in said processing (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied and also when input of betting game media, which have been betted on said race object in said processing (A), on a race object different from said race object is not made from said change input device before the end of the race executed in said processing (B).
 6. A game control method, including the steps of: (A) placing a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning; (B) proceeding with said race; (C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in said step (B); and (D) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in said step (A) being an upper limit, when determining in said step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 7. The game control method according to claim 6, wherein said step (D) includes the step of (D-1) offering game media in an amount corresponding to a prescribed proportion of the game media betted in said step (A), when determining in said step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 8. The game control method according to claim 6, the method further including the step of (E) determining an amount of game media to be offered in a case where the prescribed condition is satisfied before the end of the race executed in said step (B), with the amount betted in said step (A) as the upper limit, wherein said step (D) includes the step of (D-2) offering game media in an amount determined in said step (E), when determining in said step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied.
 9. A game control method, including the steps of: (A) placing a bet on a race object that participates in a race in which a plurality of race objects contend with one another for winning; (B) proceeding with said race; (C) determining whether or not a prescribed condition has been satisfied before the end of the race executed in said step (B); and (D) accepting selection of betting game media, which have been betted on said race object in said step (A), on a race object different from said race object, during the time from the determination in said step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied until the end of the race executed in said step (B).
 10. The game control method according to claim 9, the method further including the step of (F) offering game media in an amount with the amount betted in said step (A) being the upper limit, when determining in said step (C) that the prescribed condition has been satisfied and also when selection of betting game media, which have been betted on said race object in said step (A), on a race object different from said race object is not made from said change input device before the end of the race executed in said step (B). 